Gravity (2013) & The Martian (2015): Surviving the Final Frontier | EP10
- May 7, 2020
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 9
Surviving in Space
In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi, we continue our exploration of the space subgenre by looking at two films that focus on one of the most intense challenges of space exploration: survival.
First we discuss Gravity (2013), Alfonso Cuarón’s gripping thriller about an astronaut stranded in orbit after a catastrophic accident leaves her drifting alone in space.
Then we explore The Martian (2015), Ridley Scott’s sci-fi adventure about an astronaut who must survive on Mars after being accidentally left behind by his crew.
Together these films show how science fiction explores the dangers of space travel and the resilience required to survive beyond Earth.
Because here on Journey Through Sci-Fi, we explore the history of science-fiction cinema one subgenre at a time.
Listen to the full episode below:
What We Discuss In This Episode
In this episode we talk about:
• How Gravity creates tension through isolation and survival in orbit
• The realism and scientific detail behind The Martian
• Why survival stories are so compelling in the space genre
• The role of ingenuity and human resilience in sci-fi storytelling
• How modern space films combine spectacle with grounded science
Gravity (2013) – Alone in Orbit
Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, Gravity follows astronaut Ryan Stone, whose mission in Earth’s orbit turns into a nightmare when debris destroys her shuttle and leaves her stranded in space.
Cut off from communication and drifting through the vacuum, she must rely on her training and determination to find a way back to Earth.
The film focuses less on traditional sci-fi spectacle and more on the psychological and physical challenge of survival in space, using the vast emptiness of orbit to create tension and vulnerability.
The Martian (2015) – Surviving on the Red Planet
Released in 2015, The Martian takes a different approach to survival in space.
Directed by Ridley Scott, the film follows astronaut Mark Watney, who is presumed dead and left behind on Mars after a storm forces his crew to evacuate the planet.
Stranded millions of miles from Earth, Watney must use science, engineering and ingenuity to stay alive while NASA works to bring him home.
The film blends scientific realism with humour and optimism, turning a story of isolation into a celebration of human creativity and problem-solving.
Humanity vs the Vacuum of Space
Together, Gravity and The Martian highlight one of the central truths of the space genre: Space is an incredibly hostile environment.
Whether drifting alone in Earth’s orbit or stranded on another planet, survival in space depends on intelligence, determination and the ability to adapt under extreme pressure.
These stories remind us that while space exploration represents humanity’s greatest ambitions, it also demands extraordinary resilience.
Explore more Journey Through Sci-fi series
About Journey Through Sci-Fi
Journey Through Sci-Fi is a podcast exploring the strange, visionary and world-changing history of science-fiction cinema.
Each series focuses on a different sci-fi subgenre, examining the films and ideas that shaped the genre - from classic cinema to modern science-fiction storytelling
Comments